[dahy-uh-jen-uh-sis] 
| the physical and chemical changes occurring in sediments between the times of deposition and solidification. |
| di·a·gen·e·sis (dī'ə-jěn'ĭ-sĭs) n. The process of chemical and physical change in deposited sediment during its conversion to rock. di'a·ge·net'ic (-jə-nět'ĭk) adj. |
| diagenesis (dī'ə-jěn'ĭ-sĭs) Pronunciation Key
The process by which sediment undergoes chemical and physical changes during its lithification (conversion to rock). Compaction, leaching, cementation, and recrystallization are all forms of diagenesis. Erosion and metamorphism are not. Oil, gas, and coal form through the diagenesis of organic sedimentary matter. |
əˈdʒɛn